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Gold Price Today (Dec. 21, 2025): XAU/USD Near $4,350 as Fed “Pause” Talk Meets $5,000 Forecasts for 2026.

Gold is ending 2025 where it spent much of the year: near record territory, with investors debating whether the next move is a breakout—or a breath. As of Sunday, December 21, 2025, live spot pricing put gold around $4,352/oz, keeping the metal within striking distance of its 2025 record near $4,381/oz and reinforcing the narrative that bullion has shifted from a “rate-cut trade” into a structural portfolio asset for central banks and investors alike.

What makes today’s setup especially interesting is the collision of three powerful themes: fresh signals that the Federal Reserve could keep rates steady for months, year-end liquidity conditions that can amplify swings, and a growing consensus among major banks that 2026 could still bring gold closer to $4,800–$5,000 even if the pace of gains slows from 2025’s historic surge.

The headline risk today: a Fed “hold steady for months” message hits the tape

A key macro headline on Dec. 21 came via Reuters: Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack said she sees no need to change U.S. interest rates for months, with the current benchmark range at 3.5% to 3.75%, suggesting policy could stay on hold until at least spring while officials assess inflation dynamics—including the downstream effects of tariffs moving through supply chains.

Why it matters for the gold price:

Gold tends to dislike “higher-for-longer” surprises because firmer rate expectations can lift real yields and support the dollar—both classic headwinds for non-yielding bullion. But the 2025 playbook has been more complicated: strong demand from central banks and diversification-focused investors has repeatedly cushioned pullbacks, even when rates didn’t fall as fast as markets hoped.

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